Events Calendar to pump $500 million into NSW

NSW Premier Nathan Rees has announced the Stateâs first ever âMaster Events Calendarâ which will generate more than $500 million annually in direct economic benefit to NSW.
Premier Rees said the calendar, developed by Events NSW, will provide a strong and enduring boost for the NSW economy driving tourism, attracting investment and creating jobs stating, âit is a world class calendar that holds its own with that of any other city in the world.
âOur calendar sends a clear message to the international community that NSW is a world class destination capable of delivering fantastic events.
âThe calendar also includes the biggest investment made to the convention and exhibition industry as NSW ups the ante on winning business events that provide
the greatest economic return.
âThe events cover the whole of Sydney and NSW, from Campbelltown to Newcastle, Parramatta to Paddington, and Kyogle to Corowa.�?
The calendar is a framework of many events held in NSW and is built around five recurring annual events - Vivacity, the Autumn Racing Carnival, Vivid Sydney, Crave Sydney and the Australian Open Golf Championships.
Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said that it is critical that we make the best of the tourism opportunities that the NSW Master Events Calendar provides and increase the number of interstate and international visitors to Sydney and NSW.
âTourism NSW is already working very closely with Events NSW to develop specific marketing campaigns around each of the five main events and a range of other key events in Sydney and regional NSW.�?
Events NSW Chairman John OâNeill AO said that what NSW had been lacking in the past was a consistent, cohesive and co-ordinated approach to events that was based upon return on investment, stating âwe now have an events investment plan that will deliver measurable economic, community and marketing benefits to the State. It provides the anchors and the framework for business, so we know what is on and when each year.
âIt brings together all the key stakeholders - the City of Sydney, Department of State and Regional Development, NSW and Sydney Chambers of Commerce Transport and Tourism Forum and Tourism NSW, and event proponents - to work together towards a common goal.�?
OâNeill said the calendar would also have a strong regional focus with investments in well-known regional events including the World Rally Championship, Tamworth Music Festival and Awards, the Byron Bay Bluesfest, Dungog Film Festival, and the Corowa Autofest and a specific regional events plan under development.